Virginia Union University's Shakia Macker slammed a home run and drove in another run with a double to lead the Lady Panthers to a 12-11 win over Fort Valley State University on the opening day of the Claflin University Tournament, held on February 10 and 11 in Orangeburg, S.C.

VUU's Demi Schrader went seven innings to pick up the win.

In other games, Clark Atlanta University downed VUU 5-2, Claflin defeated the Lady Panthers 10-6, Benedict College stopped VUU 26-4 and South Carolina State University defeated Virginia Union 14-3.

VUU opens the 2012 home season on Saturday, February 18, when they meet Wheeling Jesuit University in a double-header beginning at 12 noon at Parker Field in Richmond, Va.